On May 6, 2025, the Chinese Mission to the EU hosted a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations. Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, and Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), addressed the event. Nearly 1,000 attendees were present, including Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Fei Shengchao, EEAS Managing Director for Asia and Pacific Niclas Kvarnström and other officials from EU institutions and the Belgian government, local dignitaries, diplomatic envoys to the EU, as well as representatives of international organizations and Chinese enterprises.

In his speech, Ambassador Cai noted that President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU. The anniversary is both a milestone and a starting point for the bilateral relations. Over the past 50 years, the relationship has withstood the test of shifting global dynamics, maintained a stable development momentum, achieved significant cooperation outcomes, and drawn valuable experiences and inspirations. He believed that the two sides have the capacity to jointly usher in another promising 50 years for China-EU relations, lifting up both sides and making for a brighter world.

Mr. Skoog, on behalf of the EU, extended warm congratulations on the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, recognizing China-EU relations as one of the most important bilateral ties in the world. He expressed the EU’s willingness to deepen its partnership with China, enhance communication and collaboration, and jointly uphold multilateralism amid the changing geopolitical landscape to promote greater progress in China-EU relations.

During the reception, attendees expressed their best wishes for a brighter future between China and the EU, watched a short commemorative video, and participated in interactive activities involving tea ceremony and high-tech products. The event was brimming with a warm and festive atmosphere.